Man dies after van plunges 40ft down bank in Devon

A man has died after his van plunged 40 feet down a bank in Devon.

The accident happened on the A396 near Bickleigh Wood at about 5pm on Friday.

Two fire appliances from Bampton and Dulverton were sent to the scene following a call from the police.

Crews made the vehicle safe and assisted with its recovery using a winch to pull it out.

The driver, the only person in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene and his next of kin are being informed.

No other car was involved in the incident. 

A police spokesman said:  "At 1650 hours on Friday 25th January Police were called to the scene of a single vehicle road traffic collision on the A396 just south of Cove near to Bickleigh Wood.

"One vehicle, appears to have left the road and dropped approximately 40 feet down a steep bank into trees. The single male occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Enquiries are ongoing and next of kin are being advised."

Police are appealing for witnesses to this incident to contact them on 101 quoting log number 515 25/01/13